Are there clear rules?
A decent server publishes its rules and writes them clearly: what's allowed, what isn't and what happens if you break them. If there are no rules at all, nobody will deal with conflicts.
How to judge
How to judge a server, map or pack yourself
We don't compile rankings or recommend specific servers, maps or packs. What we can do is share the questions that help you decide for yourself whether something is worth your time. These criteria are useful both for adult players and for parents whose child has asked permission to join a new server.
You can tell a good server not by its flashy description but by how it treats newcomers.
How this section works: there are no scores, points or names here. Just questions to ask yourself and signs worth noticing before you start playing.
Six questions before you start
Answer them before joining an unfamiliar world or installing an add-on.
Who keeps order?
It's good when there are moderators and a way to report rude behaviour. See how quickly reports get a response and whether bullying is tolerated there.
How does chat work?
Can you limit chat, turn off private messages or play only with friends? For a child, these settings matter more than impressive builds.
What are you asked to buy?
Be wary of places where the game isn't fun without constant purchases. Make any payments only through official methods, never through links in chat.
Is the version right?
A map or pack must be designed for your edition and version of the game. Otherwise the world may open with errors or not open at all.
Where did it come from?
Add-ons from the official Marketplace and the game's built-in settings are the most reliable. Files from unfamiliar websites can turn out to be malicious.
Good signs and warning signs
| What you're judging | Good sign | Reason for caution |
|---|---|---|
| Server | Published rules, moderation, the option to limit chat | No rules, rudeness in chat, requests for your password or personal details |
| Map | Clear description, game version stated, available in the official store | Asks you to replace game files or install a third-party program |
| Resource pack or shader | Added through the Marketplace or the built-in settings | Offered together with an executable file or a modified game |
| Shared world with friends | Everyone knows each other, ground rules agreed in advance | Invitations from strangers and requests to move to another messaging app |
Why we don't publish rankings
Servers, maps and packs change quickly: today a place is friendly, and a month later the owners and rules have changed. A ranking goes out of date before people finish reading it, and you risk trusting someone else's judgement.
Your own criteria are more reliable. They work for any world and help you spot warning signs that no list will warn you about. If in doubt, talk the choice over with friends or parents and start with a short trial visit.
Related reading
- Packs & shaders
Archived address: how a resource pack differs from a shader and how to change the game's look safely.
- Editions
Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, the road from Pocket Edition, and the Survival, Creative and Adventure modes.
- Questions
Answers about installing and accounts, the game itself, safety and family rules.
- Terms
A player's dictionary: mobs, biomes, crafting, redstone, spawning, resource packs, shaders, servers and raids.
What we rely on
- The official Minecraft website and Mojang Studios help pages
- PEGI and ESRB: video game age ratings
We describe the basics of the game in general terms. Menus, button names and the contents of updates change over time and differ between editions, so check the details against the official help pages and update notes.